Caesar Rodney’s Ride Returns — Joined by the Unheard Voices of the Revolution

As preparations continue for the June 12–13, 2026 reenactment, the 250Ride.org team recently gathered at Brandywine Battlefield Park to capture a new series of portraits featuring Caesar Rodney and Jacob Broom, two Delaware figures connected not only through history, but through a shared story of America’s founding.

The portraits represent more than a historical moment. They symbolize one of the core ideas behind the 250Ride.org educational mission: that while Caesar Rodney’s legendary overnight ride helped secure Delaware’s vote for independence, the story of America’s founding belongs to many voices.

This June, those voices ride together.

As Caesar Rodney makes his historic journey once again from Dover to Philadelphia, Jacob Broom will accompany the carriage as a representative of the Unheard Voices of the Revolution — individuals whose contributions to the nation helped shape the future of America, even if they were not physically present on Rodney’s original Ride for Independence.

Photography by Luigi Ciuffetelli

Portrayed during the reenactment by Hugo Immediato Jr., Jacob Broom represents an important reminder that independence was never won by one person alone.

Though Broom did not participate in Rodney’s original overnight journey in July 1776, his contributions to the young nation remain significant. A Delaware statesman, surveyor, businessman, and later signer of the United States Constitution, Broom helped influence the structure and development of the country that figures like Rodney helped establish. Historical accounts also connect Broom’s surveying knowledge and familiarity with the Brandywine region to efforts that helped prepare George Washington and American forces as they worked to slow and defend against advancing British troops during the campaign that would become the Battle of Brandywine, creating an especially meaningful connection to the location where these portraits were captured.

His presence during the 250 Ride serves as a symbolic companion to Rodney’s mission, representing the countless builders, thinkers, leaders, and communities whose stories are too often left outside traditional Revolutionary narratives.

But Jacob Broom will not be alone.

Photography by Steve Magee

Throughout the June 12–13 reenactment, audiences will encounter additional members of the 250Ride.org Unheard Voices of the Revolution educational initiative at key moments along the route. These living history portrayals help expand the conversation around America’s founding by highlighting stories and perspectives that deserve a place alongside the more familiar names of the Revolution.

The journey officially begins on Friday, June 12, with a special launch ceremony and community gathering at Christ Episcopal in Dover from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, where visitors will have the opportunity to experience history in motion before the carriage begins its two-day voyage north.

That evening, many of the Revolutionary characters and Unheard Voices will reunite at 250 Ride Gala at Thousand Acre Farm from 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, where guests can interact with reenactors, enjoy an unforgettable evening, and welcome Caesar Rodney’s arrival at the conclusion of Day One.

Then on Saturday, June 13, the reenactment continues into Historic Old New Castle, arriving in time to participate in Separation Day Parade from 12:00 PM–2:30 PM. Caesar Rodney, Jacob Broom, and members of the Unheard Voices initiative will travel through the historic streets before remaining to celebrate with the community as the carriage ultimately departs and continues its symbolic journey toward Philadelphia.

The destination may be Independence Hall — but the story being told is much larger.

250Ride.org is more than a reenactment. It is a living journey designed to connect people with the individuals, communities, and voices that collectively shaped America.

This June, as Caesar Rodney rides again, he won’t ride alone.